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Early in the afternoon, hours before the start of batting practice, the Blue Jays had their young outfield trio of LF Kevin Pillar, CF Anthony Gose and RF Moises Sierra on the field for outfield throwing practice. After they finished, the Jays were hitting ground balls to Ryan Goins at second and having him practice his throws to second for the double play. Finally, Josh Thole was at the plate taking ground balls that simulated throws coming from the outfield and applying an imaginary tag.

Defence, or the lack of it, was one of the many factors that contributed to the Jays miserable season.

“Young kids need to keep throwing, keep ’em sharp. They’re going to do most of the playing in September anyway until those other guys come back (Colby Rasmus and Jose Bautista,” manager John Gibbons said.

DEFENSIVE JITTERS

During the season, outfield defence was a problem as Melky Cabrera in left had mobility issues and a limited range because of hamstring and knee problems. In centre, Rasmus was erratic, especially in his throws to the plate.

“We did it a few times (outfield practice) but we didn’t do it enough,” Gibbons conceded. “I think we need it more (in 2014), no question. Right now, especially these youngsters, they need it.”

Looking over the year, Gibbons was asked if he was surprised that his team was so lacking in fundamentals?

“We’ve had our rough patches, but I don’t think it’s been a fiasco by any means,” he said. “It is what it is. When you struggle, those things stand out.”

The Jays had problems defensively right from the start, throughout spring training and then into April.

“April, we were booting balls, weren’t turning double plays, things like that,” Gibbons said. “Early in the season there were a number of balls that sneaked through (the infield) that you’d expect to make, that you have to make at this level.”

The conversation then turned back to Goins, who since moving to second base has become the apple of Gibbons eye.

“He sure looks good,” Gibbons said. “He needs some time. We’ll put him out there in September and see where he’s at. We’ll have a better idea by then.”

Goins caught his eye back in spring.

“He looked like a good solid baseball player, could do the little things, steady glove, that sort of thing,” Gibbons said. “He’s not a flashy guy, he’s just a baseball player. You need those guys.”

INJURY UPDATE

Gibbons said RHP Steve Delabar, who is on the DL with shoulder stiffness, threw in a Gulf Cost League game Wednesday.

“He threw this morning and everything went well,” he said. “I’m not sure what the next move is.” RHP Dustin McGowan, on the DL with an oblique strain, was also scheduled to throw a bullpen session but Gibbons said he had no news on how he performed.

Joe Bautista, meanwhile, who is on the DL with a bone bruise on his left hip, is not involved in any baseball activities. He is the host of a charity golf tournament on Thursday’s off day but said he wouldn’t be teeing it up.

WHAT’S LEFT

Speaking of Cabrera and his lack of mobility, Gibbons was asked if has any concerns looking ahead to next season whether Cabrera could or should play in the outfield.

“We have no idea yet. We’ll see how he responds to what he’s going through now,” Gibbons said. “In spring training, he was moving fine and for whatever reason he slowed down big time. We don’t know yet but you have to have somebody out there that can move.”

It puts the Jays in a bit of a difficult spot as Cabrera is under contract for 2014 with an $8-million contract. If he can’t play the outfield, the Jays would need to get somebody and given his reduced lack of power — he hit .279 with 15 doubles, three homers and 30 RBIs in 88 games (344 at-bats) — he isn’t your ideal DH either.

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Young Blue Jays working hard on defence

Early in the afternoon, hours before the start of batting practice, the Blue Jays had their young outfield trio of LF Kevin Pillar, CF Anthony Gose and RF Moises Sierra on the field for outfield throwing practice. After they finished, the Jays were hitting ground balls to Ryan Goins at second and having him practice his throws to second for the double play. Finally, Josh Thole was at the plate taking ground balls that simulated throws coming from the outfield and applying an imaginary tag.

Defence, or the lack of it, was one of the many factors that contributed to the Jays miserable season.

“Young kids need to keep throwing, keep ’em sharp. They’re going to do most of the playing in September anyway until those other guys come back (Colby Rasmus and Jose Bautista,” manager John Gibbons said.